Head - Public Relations & Communications - University (10-15 yrs)

Responsibilities:

- The Head of Public Relations & Communications (PR&C) is responsible for leading the Communications Team.

- They will define, develop and implement an innovative and compelling PR and Communication plan aligned to the University's strategic plan, promoting the work of the University and upholding its brand and reputation.

- Create internal and external communication opportunities and identify and anticipate threats; proactively develop appropriate strategies to define and manage them. Proactively manage risk and initiate solutions which take into account strategic implications for the institution.

- Work closely with Faculties and Directorates to advise on the development of channels and networks throughout the organization to amplify the University messages at all levels encouraging innovation and new ideas. In particular, the postholder will work closely with the Students' Union, faculty business managers, events and engagement teams and student marketing and recruitment teams to ensure a clear and coordinated approach to how the University is positioned, built around and aligned to the University strategy.

- Proactively cultivate and manage the University's media image through establishing and leveraging relationships with relevant stakeholders to effectively position the University in a wide range of local, national and international media as part of the integrated approach to PR, communications and events, and to otherwise manage the University's press office and engagement with all stakeholders. - To take responsibility for the operational planning of the work of the Communications team and associated collaborative cross-institution projects, engaging them in a strategic and integrated approach to PR and communications. Encourage adoption of new ideas, best practice from within and outside of the sector, assessments of impact and effectiveness, and continual improvement. Develop the capability of the team and foster a spirit of creativity and dynamism.

Main Duties and Responsibilities :

1. To use expertise to effectively promote the University's vision, mission values and strategy with all stakeholders, building a strong, distinctive identity and sense of community around these precepts.

2. To undertake communication campaigns aligned with the University Strategy and utilising effective, leading-edge and dynamic methodologies, tools, technologies and approaches to achieve intended objectives.

3. To actively manage the University's media profile through maintaining up-to-date insight of local, national, and international media interest in issues at the University; cultivate relevant media contacts and identify and secure opportunities for proactive and reactive media coverage, maximising positive coverage, designed to maintain and enhance the University's reputation and to increase the impact of the University's work. Develop and utilise relations with media and expand external 4 stakeholders to strengthen and protect the University's reputation.

4. To build and uphold strong, lasting relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences through communications and engagement activities, including national and international media.

5. To ensure that PR and communications activity is agile and responsive, ensuring delivery in a timely and accurate manner, and excellent ongoing monitoring and reaction to PR and communication issues.

6. To coordinate the development of press releases, press kits and training for academics newsletters or regular communications from EB members, and related PR material that showcases the University successes.

7. To monitor the results of all public/media relations, and internal and external communications, measuring their impact and effectiveness and prepare detailed media activity and insight reports for regular dissemination to EB and key institutional stakeholders to inform decision making.

8. To play a lead role in implementing the forthcoming Brand, Communications and Marketing Enabling plan.

9. To work collaboratively with key teams in both Marketing and Engagement to deliver strategic priorities as per the Brand, Communications and Marketing plan.

10. To plan and manage the design, content, and production of all PR and communications materials in line with University Branding, Communication and Marketing plan with oversight from the University Secretary.

11. To work closely with Faculties and Directorates to develop channels and networks throughout the organisation to amplify the University messages at all levels.

12. To create communication strategies for new programmes, launches, events, and promotions as appropriate to the needs of relevant stakeholders.

13. To manage the annual communications budget, ensuring value for money and maximum impact.

14. To undertake any other duties commensurate of the job level as may be required or directed.

Desired Skills and Experience :

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in marketing or communications (preferred)

- 10 years of experience, working for a name brand, Edu -tech, Higher Education ,tech or PR agency

- Self-starter with ability to work effectively in a dynamic team

- Media-savvy with experience across earned, owned, shared, and paid media

- Proven expertise in the art of storytelling

- Blend of strategic mindset with hands-on communications skills

- Excellent narrative development, writing and editing skills

- Exceptional project management and prioritization skills

- Ability to quickly ramp-up and make an immediate impact

- Team player with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills

- Superior communications and presentation skills

- Ability to build relationships with key stakeholders